Gathering the right information and keeping proper documentation is crucial after an auto accident. If you need to meet with an auto accident lawyer in Farmington, Utah, the more information you have the better. But what’s most important? Who do you talk to after an accident? What information do you need to gather to protect yourself?
Other Drivers
Exchange basic contact information like names, phone numbers, email addresses and home addresses. You’ll also want to collect driving and vehicle information like driver’s license numbers and license plate numbers. Collect basic insurance information such as the name of the insurance provider, car registration and policy numbers.
If the vehicle involved in the crash is registered to someone other than the driver, be sure to document the relationship between the two individuals.
When exchanging personal details, never give out your social security number. There is no reason another driver should need this information.
Passengers
If an auto accident involves cars with passengers, collect contact information from each of the passengers including names, phone numbers and addresses. Make note of any injuries passengers might have sustained.
Police
If a police officer is dispatched to the scene, record the officer’s name and badge number. File a police report and keep copies of all paperwork you fill out. Write down your police report number.
Some police departments file reports online, so take screenshots throughout the process for your records. If you end up needing a lawyer, the more official documentation you can provide, the better.
Witnesses and Locals
Write down the contact information for any witnesses on the scene. If your auto accident occurred on a two-lane road in Farmington, you might not have any witnesses to speak to. However, if the accident occurred in a more populated area in Farmington, it’s a good idea to ask locals if they’ve ever witnessed accidents in the same place. This information can be helpful to your lawyer should you need to go to court.